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Very Rare U.S. Springfield Model 1875 Vertical Lee Single Shot Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military / Long Guns - Rifles Start Price:3,250.00 USD Estimated At:6,500.00 - 9,500.00 USD
Very Rare U.S. Springfield Model 1875 Vertical Lee Single Shot Rifle
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Very Rare U.S. Springfield Model 1875 Vertical Lee Single Shot Rifle

This is an extremely rare example of an exceptional U.S. Springfield Armory Model 1875 single shot rifle as invented by James Lee circa 1875. This action was patented by James Paris Lee, (patent 160,919) with only 143 total ever manufactured. The basic reason was that the U.S. Ordnance Dept. Springfield Armory ran out of money after only a very small quantity were produced. Lee continued to develop other rifles with the most famous being the highly successful; Winchester-Lee Straight Pull rifle developed in circa 1896. While operation of the rifle is simple; it is not obvious. To load the rifle you have to "smartly" push the hammer forward, which in turn drops the breechblock (like a Martini action) which would then extract the fired case. Inserting a fresh cartridge releases the breechblock and it is then raised into the firing position by cocking the hammer. If these steps are not followed the breechblock cannot be closed, as it is held in place by the breechblock lock. It has the standard 1873 trapdoor rifle pattern barrel and sight, and the only markings on the entire rifle are on the upper tang which is "U.S./PAT. MAR. 16, 1875". It is fitted with a full length, walnut stock that has a single oval "ESA" cartouche on the left side of the stock and a "P" in a circle behind the trigger guard. All the various internal parts are matching and numbered "76".

Manufacture: Springfield Armory U.S.
Model: 1875
BBL: 32 5/8 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 45-70
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN

Excellent with 95% of the original blue finish overall with most of the wear confined to the trigger guard/lower tang. The stock is also in near excellent condition with three heavier storage compression marks present on the underside of the forend behind the rear barrel band. The cartouches are clear, and distinct. A very interesting, unique and very rare single shot martial rifle.